A wonderful football event for communication and establishing friendly connections among children took place on September 24 at the local stadium "Hat-Trick Arena" with the support of the Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast Football Association. The consultant from the Center for Professional Development of Educational Workers at the Department of Education and Science of the Ivano-Frankivsk City Council, Iryna Polyik, participated in the event.

Photo by IFUFA

The project involved 72 children, including those with special educational needs, internally displaced persons' children, children deprived of parental care, and children of military servicemen.

Photo by IFUFA

As tradition dictates, the event began with a ceremonial opening under the Ukrainian National Anthem. A moment of silence was observed in memory of all heroes who gave their lives for the future of our country. After the ceremony, the stadium was entirely at the disposal of the children.

Photo by IFUFA

The festival started with a dynamic warm-up. Then, teams dispersed to sectors that divided the football field. Everyone had the opportunity to work under the guidance of volunteer instructors in each sector. The execution of various special exercises turned the event into a large-scale physical and sports activity; the smiles on children's faces became the best reward for everyone who contributed to its organization.

Photo by IFUFA

Participants of the football celebration received unforgettable impressions, wonderful emotions and experience. And also - joy from playing. Thanks to such projects, we teach our children to derive satisfaction from participation, showing them the possibility of having fun in the company of friends. This is most important at a time when gadgets are diverse.

At the end, each child received a participant diploma and an exclusive T-shirt from the UAF.

Photo by IFUFA

The project of the Ukrainian Football Association and regional associations "Open Football Lessons" with the support of UEFA is:

• psychosocial support for children of military servicemen, IDP children, war-affected children;
• unity and friendship among IDP children and local children, social integration;
• inclusive environment - participants regardless of ability level, gender, as well as the participation of children with special educational needs;
• safety knowledge in wartime conditions;
• philosophy of mass football - joy from playing instead of any price for results;
• nurturing a healthy lifestyle;
• volunteer development;
• activation of local communities through cross-sector networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, safety experts, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, sponsors, etc.).

All project events are held in regions with the approval of regional military administrations.